Canadiens forward Pacioretty to miss three weeks with strained left hamstring

Montreal Canadiens' Max Pacioretty (67) is helped off the ice during first period NHL hockey action against the Winnipeg Jets in Winnipeg, Tuesday, October 15, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Trevor Hagan

2013-10-17 23:08:00

MONTREAL - The Montreal Canadiens will be without forward Max Pacioretty for three weeks.

Coach Michel Therrien announced Thursday that Pacioretty has a strained left hamstring.

The first-line left winger suffered the injury during an awkward fall in Montreal's 3-0 win in Winnipeg on Tuesday.

"It's bad luck, but it could have been a lot worse," said Therrien. "We'll take time to make sure he gets better, but it the meantime, it's not such bad news. It could have been worse."

The U.S. Olympic team hopeful has had a rough start to the season. He jammed a wrist in the opening game, but only missed one contest.

Pacioretty is know for his quick recuperation from injuries, but when asked if he would be back for the Canadiens next game Saturday against Nashville, Therrien smiled and said "This time, I don't think so."